A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has explored the associations between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and various cardiometabolic risk factors in young children. The study included a total of 1426 children with an average age of 5.8 years, nearly equally divided between boys and girls and the primary objective was to examine the relationship between UPF consumption and cardiometabolic risk factors.
Children in the highest tertile of UPF consumption exhibited several adverse health metrics compared to those in the lowest tertile; these children had higher BMIs, waist-to-height ratios, fat mass indexes, and systolic blood pressure. The prevalence of overweight or obesity was also higher, in addition to lower levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol, implying potential lipid metabolism disturbances.
Mothers of children in the highest UPF consumption tertile were generally younger, had higher BMIs, were more likely to be overweight or obese, less likely to have exclusively breastfed their children, and had lower educational attainment and employment rates. These factors suggest that socioeconomic and educational backgrounds significantly impact children's diet quality and health.
The dietary patterns of high UPF consumers were markedly different from those of lower UPF consumers. Children in the highest tertile of UPF consumption had higher total energy and carbohydrate intakes and consumed more yogurt, dairy products, sugar, candy, and sugary beverages. Conversely, their intake of protein, fat, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, fiber, milk, cheese, white meat, unprocessed red meat, eggs, fish, seafood, vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, cereals, and oils was lower.
A substitution of 100 grams of UPFs with 100 grams of healthier alternatives was associated with numerical decreases for fat mass index, BMI, and fasting plasma glucose.
“Our study highlights the importance of promoting the substitution of ultra-processed foods with healthier alternatives, such as unprocessed or minimally processed options, in efforts to prevent further cardiometabolic health problems in children,” mentioned Nancy Babio, Ph.D., one of the investigators, to CNN.
This study underscores the importance of promoting unprocessed or minimally processed foods in early childhood to mitigate cardiometabolic risks. Socioeconomic and educational support for families may also play a critical role in improving children's dietary habits and health outcomes.
Sources: JAMA Network Open, CNN
